Ballydoyle drifter heads 3 punters’ delights on Irish Oaks Day

Tony Martin looks to have snuck a handicap hotpot in late doors

Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn defends his unbeaten record in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this weekend, but across the Irish Sea another top flat encounter is set for the Curragh.

We’ve plucked out our three best bets for Irish Oaks day in County Kildare, including an interesting outsider in the big one.

17.50, Irish Oaks – Kissed By Angels

After winning this last year with 10/1 third-string Bracelet, none of Aidan O’Brien’s four can be ruled out, although Epsom Oaks winner Qualify seems certain to withdraw due to the deteriorating conditions.

A chance is taken on Kissed By Angels, the Galileo filly who clearly likes a bit of juice underfoot having won unexpectedly over heavy ground at Leopardstown in May, before finding 1m over good ground far too sharp in the Irish 1000 Guineas later that month.

17.15, Invincible Spirit Sapphire Stakes – Mecca’s Angel

Michael Dods’ girl looks in a different class to the rest of this field after winning all three of her starts this season, with each victory coming over this 5f trip.

Mecca’s Angel will carry 3lb less than four of the other six runners due to her tender years, leaving fellow four-year-old Wind Fire, without a win in eight starts, as her closest ante-post rival in the betting.

18.25, Ladies Derby Handicap – The Plan Man

This Tony Martin runner looks set to go off favourite in the Curragh’s second-last, despite being given a 12/1 tissue price in the Racing Post prior to punters getting stuck in.

On close inspection, handicap king Martin looks to have got The Plan Man in on a handy mark considering the five-year-old has managed top-three finishes in two of his three runs on the flat.

With amateur jockey Maxine O’Sullivan peeling off another 7lbs, it’s easy to figure out why The Plan Man has attracted support.

Related

Iain has been contributing pieces to various websites on an array of subjects, including sports, politics and art, for over four years. Despite blue being his favourite colour, the teams he supports all wear red.

Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Ltd. is licensed (licence no. 1611) and regulated by the British Gambling Commission for persons gambling in Great Britain and LC International Limited, Suites 6-8, 5th Floor, Europort, Gibraltar, is licensed (RGL Nos. 010, 012) by the Government of Gibraltar and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner.